Charlotte, October 3, 2025
News Summary
The community in Charlotte is reeling from the tragic shooting of Alexander Cruz Martinez, a 16-year-old student from Rocky River High School. The incident unfolded outside a shopping center, leading to immediate medical responses but ultimately resulting in the loss of his life. School officials are providing support to students and staff, emphasizing the critical availability of grief counseling during this difficult time.
Charlotte is mourning the tragic loss of 16-year-old Alexander Cruz Martinez, a student from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, who was fatally shot outside a busy shopping center on Wednesday, October 1, just before 8 p.m. The shooting took place near South Kings Drive and Metropolitan Avenue, sending shockwaves through the local community and his school.
Alexander was a 10th grader at Rocky River High School. After hearing the radio call regarding the shooting, an off-duty police officer quickly responded to the scene. Upon arrival, the officer found Martinez suffering from serious gunshot wounds and began immediate treatment, which continued until paramedics arrived. Despite their efforts, Alexander was transported to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools officials are in mourning, with Principal Legrand of Rocky River High School expressing deep condolences on behalf of the school community. The loss of a young life deeply affects students and staff, and the school is emphasizing the importance of providing access to grief counseling services during this challenging period. The Crisis Response Team is available to assist those coping with the tragedy.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting, and authorities have not identified any suspects or determined the motive behind the shooting. Given the severity and impacts of this incident, authorities are urging anyone with information to step forward and contact homicide detectives or Crime Stoppers.
Families and friends of students at Rocky River High School are being encouraged to reach out for support and counseling services during this difficult time, highlighting the community’s commitment to supporting one another amid this tragedy.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and local authorities are working diligently to uncover details that will lead to justice for Alexander Martinez and answers for his family and friends.
Summary of Incident
- Date: October 1, 2023
- Victim: Alexander Cruz Martinez, 16 years old
- School: Rocky River High School, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
- Location: South Kings Drive and Metropolitan Avenue, Charlotte, NC
- Response: Off-duty officer provided immediate treatment
- Outcome: Pronounced dead at the hospital
- Current status: No arrests, investigation ongoing
Community Support Services
- Crisis Response Team available for Rocky River High School students and staff
- Grief counseling services emphasized
- Encouragement for families and friends to seek support
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the date and time of the shooting?
- The fatal shooting occurred on Wednesday, October 1, just before 8 p.m.
- Who was the victim of the shooting?
- The victim has been identified as Alexander Cruz Martinez, a 16-year-old student from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
- Which school did the victim attend?
- Alexander was a 10th grader at Rocky River High School.
- Where did the shooting take place?
- The shooting took place outside a busy shopping center near South Kings Drive and Metropolitan Avenue in Charlotte, NC.
- How did the police respond to the incident?
- An off-duty police officer responded to the scene after hearing the radio call regarding the shooting.
- What was done for the victim at the scene?
- The officer found Martinez suffering from gunshot wounds and provided immediate treatment until paramedics arrived.
- What was the outcome for Alexander Martinez?
- Alexander was transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
- What reactions have been expressed by local officials?
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools officials expressed their condolences in a message from Rocky River High School Principal Legrand, highlighting the school’s grief over the loss.
- What support services are being offered to the school community?
- The Crisis Response Team is available to assist Rocky River High School students and staff coping with the tragedy.
- Are there any updates on suspects or arrests related to the shooting?
- No arrests have been made, and authorities have not identified any suspects or determined the motive behind the shooting.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | October 1, 2023 |
| Time of Incident | Just before 8 p.m. |
| Victim | Alexander Cruz Martinez |
| Age | 16 years old |
| School Attended | Rocky River High School |
| Location | South Kings Drive and Metropolitan Avenue, Charlotte, NC |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing |
